Knotreeltight

Does anyone have any experience removing pillar bolts where the nut has eighther stripped or broke loose on an 2003 Ram? I am trying to replace the recirc box and cannot get 2 of the 4 bolts all together out. I have tried to apply down, side/bind pressure and am still having a time.


Any help would be greatly appreciated....

KC-

Mexstan

Had the same problem. I used a 1/16" larger drill bit and drilled at a 45 degree angle. The nut will still spin a bit but you can try to lock it in with a small screwdriver and eventually you will wear down enough material to knock the nut out and allow it to drop down. I thought that it could rattle, but have never heard it.

Replacing the nut is another story. I welded a 1/4" nut (or was it a 5/16" nut?) on to a long strip of metal to make a nutplate and then threaded that thru other holes a bit higher in the pillar. Had to make the hole just a tiny bit larger with a rotary file. It was a bit of a pain to line the nut up, but not that bad. Then I used couple of pop rivets to secure the nutplate to the pillar. No more danger of it stripping again.

SuperGewl

JB Weld works wonders, just dab a bit on the nut to hold it in place then you can remove it.

Knotreeltight

Thanks Guys for the input..... I have considered both of your ideas as far as removing the fstenener. I will probabaly end up trying both. Once removed, I would then like to re-bore the hole and use a plastic pop-in anchor.

Again, Thanks for the ideas and many more are welcomed....

KC-

Dodgezilla

I had the same problem with my 03 truck. I ended up destroying the A-pillar trying to get it off. I hung on it with all my weight while using a ratchet to loosen the bolt. Eventually it came out. Once out I was able to take a small screw and force it in around the insert and that kept it from spinning. It's a pretty stupid design IMO......